Capitol Hill Report — 7/15/17

July 15, 2017

Eagle Forum Supports Two Amendments

With the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) at the forefront of the House this week and Appropriations bills moving, Eagle Forum was busy weighing in on two noteworthy amendments. These key amendments would safeguard families and protect our military personnel.

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) introduced an amendment to the NDAA in response to the Department of Defense’s decision to delay the implementation of the Obama administration’s military transgender mandate. The mandate allows for individuals who identify as transgender to join the military. Rep. Hartzler’s amendment prohibits taxpayer money to fund sex-reassignment surgeries and hormone treatments for these individuals. Americans should not pay for elective services, especially those that pull military personnel from deploying for up to a year. Unfortunately, this necessary amendment failed 209-214 with 24 Republicans voting against it.

Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) joined forces with Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) to offer a bipartisan amendment restoring the Wire Act. This law was twisted by an opinion issued by the Department of Justice to allow for internet gambling within homes. The amendment offered in the House Commerce, Justice, and Science Committee on Thursday will not only keep gambling out of our homes, but will also protect children from the threat of exploitation. These games are designed to lure children onto their sites and provide no accountability measures for identifying users. We are awaiting the outcome of the vote.

Colleen Holcomb will continue working with Eagle Forum as Vice-President of Government Relations. You may continue to contact her with your questions or concerns at cholcomb@attorneyholcomb.com or phone: 757/277-4848.

We will keep you posted on these and other developments as we learn new information. Until then, please stay tuned to the Eagle Forum website and Facebook page.